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COVID-19 has presented many challenges in 2020, and Abley’s annual weekend away event was no exception. This year, due to the growth of our Auckland office and the uncertainty around travel, it was decided that we would hold both a North Island and a South Island event.
Just days before the departure of our Christchurch team to Lake Tekapo on 5th September, our organisers were juggling last minute activity changes. But in true Abley style, commitment and enthusiasm saw to it that the weekend was not only successful, but perhaps even better than anticipated.
While the main activities were planned for Saturday, the majority of participants (41 in total) took the opportunity to travel down to Tekapo on Friday afternoon, ensuring a full weekend of fun in the sun.
The activity options kicked off on Saturday, including scenic helicopter flights and passes at Round Hill Ski Field. Many took the opportunity to socialise and take in the scenery closer to the ground, exploring the walking tracks of Mt John and Tekapo village, and soaking away the day in Tekapo Springs’ hot pools.
Our accommodation at YHA Lake Tekapo provided a stunning panoramic outlook of the lake, which set the backdrop for our group dinner. After enjoying some refreshments and debriefing about the days events, everyone enjoyed gourmet burgers on the lakefront. Following dinner, there was a guitar-led singalong in the communal area of the backpackers, an entertaining night for all!
Stunning lake views greeted everyone the next morning, with the early risers regrouping to reminisce the evening and plan their Sunday. One colleague initiated some unconventional team bonding, which involved a walk down to the lake to experience a ‘Glacial Facial’. This promised to bring wisdom to those who dunked their faces in the icy mountain-fed lake water. Are those who participated wiser, or rather, foolish? Perhaps only time will tell. And so, I’m looking forward to next year already!
